Blackburn Rovers insist they have not fielded an enquiry from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho regarding the availability of Benni McCarthy, and they are keen to stress nor would they welcome one.
Mourinho has admitted he is interested in McCarthy after the pair enjoyed a productive relationship during their time together at Porto.
However, Rovers have made it known, via the South African's agent, that they are not open to offers for the 29-year-old, and manager Mark Hughes' main focus this summer is to find a striker to complement McCarthy, rather than one to replace him.
Mourinho reportedly said: "Benni is the kind of striker every coach wants and I am no exception.
"I've worked with him successfully in the past at FC Porto and I do like Benni.
"I saw the possibility of us reuniting at Chelsea but he has a contract.
"I could tell that he wanted to play for me again because we had a wonderful time together.
"But Blackburn said he was not for sale and you have to respect that."
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